Peak representative bodies for the Australian waste industry are calling for the "urgent implementation" of a national strategy to deal with excess stockpiles of recyclable materials caused by a change in China's import policy.

$150m needed to 'kick-start' circular economy

The Australian Council of Recycling [ACOR] and the Waste Management Association of Australia [WMAA] have called on the Federal and State Governments to implement their $150 million plan to 're-boot' the local recycling industry and spurn the creation of a circular economy.

Under the proposal, the money would be spent developing the manufacturing infrastructure needed to process recyclable waste domestically, rather than exporting it overseas.

ACOR chief executive Peter Shmigel said new infrastructure and innovation was needed, along with improvements to the quality of recyclable materials being used.

"It is time to transform the recycling and resource recovery industry so it can help transform our economy to a more competitive, sustainable, and circular model that makes the best use of as many resources, including human resources, as possible in Australia," he said in a written statement.

"A $150 million National Action Plan would enable the 'three I's' that are needed to re-boot recycling and kick-start the circular economy.

"Investment in infrastructure and new markets, improvement of recyclate material quality and recycling contracts, and innovation in positive purchasing of recycled content products by governments."

"[China's] ban on 24 categories of recyclables and waste have left many countries in the world looking at other opportunities," he said.

"In Australia, state and territory governments have primary responsibility for waste management, but the Turnbull Government recognises that this is an important issue.

"This is why we have ensured that the issue will be discussed at the upcoming Meeting of Environment Ministers and [we] are looking to work cooperatively and constructively with state and territory governments to find solutions."

State and Federal Environment Ministers are expected to meet on April 27.